What happened
On the night of the accident, Singapore Airlines Flight 006 was preparing for departure from Taipei toward Los Angeles. The flight was scheduled to depart from runway 05L, as runway 05R was partially closed due to ongoing construction work. During taxiing, after reaching the end of taxiway NP and turning into taxiway N1, the crew performed a 180-degree turn that placed the Boeing 747-400 onto the closed runway 05R.
At approximately 23:15 local time, the aircraft began its takeoff roll on the incorrect runway. Shortly after reaching V1 speed, the aircraft struck concrete barriers, excavators, and other construction machinery positioned on the runway. The impact caused the plane to crash back onto the runway surface, where it broke into two main sections and erupted into flames. The wreckage was distributed along runway 05R, with the aircraft coming to rest several thousand feet from the threshold. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries reported in this incident.
Findings
Investigations revealed that the flight crew failed to verify their taxi route, leading them to enter the closed runway instead of proceeding to the active runway 05L. The crew's attention was reportedly focused on following green taxiway centerline lights, which led them onto the wrong surface. Several contributing factors were identified:
- The crew did not sufficiently review airport charts or orally confirm the runway they had entered.
- Severe weather conditions caused by typhoon 'Xangsane', including heavy rain and high winds, reduced visibility and impacted situational awareness.
- There was moderate time pressure to depart before the typhoon's arrival worsened conditions.
- The flight crew lost situational awareness and commenced takeoff from the wrong runway.